The Collective 3A (Alternative to Austerity), the PCF, and the Left Front express their opposition to the policy of the mayor of Nice. Beyond the slogans, it is interesting to understand the reasons behind this protest.
Hollande/Valls are leading a real austerity policy for the majority to preserve the profits of a minority. In Nice, we suffer a double penalty because Estrosi also adds his touch to austerity.
Two recent measures illustrate this reality:
The de facto increase in local taxes
During the Nice city council on September 29, the majority led by Christian Estrosi decided to set the general rebate rate on the housing tax at 10%, instead of 15%. The city will thus recover more than 6 million euros from the taxpayers’ pockets. This operation avoids an increase in tax rates, allowing the mayor of Nice to make it seem as if taxes are not rising.
In fact, even though tax rates are indeed not affected, the reality is that the lower rebates will result in a heavier bill for all households. Beyond the consequences of the government’s choices impacting local authorities, the people of Nice suffer from the headlong rush of Christian Estrosi’s costly policy (such as the line 2 tunnel, for example).
Charging families for after-school care.
With his UMP majority, Estrosi has decided to charge families for after-school care imposed by the modification of school rhythms.
Estrosi, Ciotti, and Sarkozy had already eliminated half a school day and the training of teachers; decisions that demonstrate their contempt for children and families, which disqualify them.
Today, Estrosi’s new decision adds another difficulty for thousands of households already heavily bearing the consequences of the government’s austerity policy. The consequences of this decision are catastrophic for families who do not have the financial means or the possibility to pick up children at 3:45 pm. And it is no surprise that in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, the registration rate is very low (less than 25%).
The decisions of the Mayor of Nice only have one consequence: they reinforce the negative effects of the government’s policy.
